State sales taxes can make a big difference in the final cost of a car, too. For example, if you were to buy a new car for $45,000 in California, where the combined state and average local sales tax rate is 8.68%, you could end up spending an extra $3,906 in taxes alone.

For example, consider these top five states for most expensive combined sales tax rates, according to the Tax Foundation: Tennessee (9.55%); Louisiana (9.52%); Arkansas (9.51%); Washington (9.23%) and Alabama (9.22%). While California has the highest statewide sales tax, its lower local rates offset that amount which keep it from making this list.




Cheapest State To Buy A New Truck